A Notice Posted at a Gym in Incheon
Lists 8 Criteria for Distinguishing Ajummas
An Incheon gym that posted a sign saying "No entry for Ajumma, only cultured and elegant women allowed" is causing controversy. On the 10th, JTBC's Incident Report stated, "Recently, a gym in Incheon posted a notice in the store that says 'No entry for Ajumma'." The notice not only had the phrase "No entry for Ajumma" written in red letters but also included the somewhat absurd phrase "Only cultured and elegant women allowed." Furthermore, right below it was a list titled "How to distinguish between Ajumma and women," containing a total of eight items.
The notice not only has the phrase "No Ajummas Allowed" written in red letters but also contains the somewhat absurd statement "Only Cultured and Elegant Women Allowed." Furthermore, right below it, there is a list of eight items titled "How to Distinguish Between Ajummas and Women." [Photo by JTBC Sagoenbanjang]
According to the gym's definition of Ajumma, the criteria include ▲liking free things regardless of age ▲being criticized everywhere but not knowing why ▲sitting in priority seats for pregnant women on public transportation ▲coming to a coffee shop in pairs, ordering one coffee, and asking for extra cups ▲secretly disposing of food waste in public restrooms or toilets ▲being stingy with their own money but not caring about others' money ▲having poor memory and judgment, repeating what they said over and over ▲falling down and no one helps except the Lord, distinguishing them from women.
The gym also shared their story. They said they had many negative experiences during gym operations. Some troublesome customers brought laundry to the gym and washed it for long periods or left the water running while gossiping about others. They also complained that there were cases of sexual harassment remarks made to young female members in the shower room.
Regarding the controversy, lawyer Park Ji-hoon, who appeared as a panelist, said, "Legally speaking, like no-kids zones or no-seniors zones, business owners can restrict certain customers based on the 'principle of freedom of contract.' Although the 'No entry for Ajumma' content seems problematic, it appears the gym posted it because they had many troublesome customers."
The notice not only has the phrase "No Ajummas Allowed" written in red letters but also contains the somewhat absurd statement "Only Cultured and Elegant Women Allowed." Furthermore, right below it, there is a list of eight items titled "How to Distinguish Between Ajummas and Women." [Photo by JTBC Sagoenbanjang]
The principle of freedom of contract means that parties freely choose their counterparties and freely agree on the content of their legal relationship, and the law approves and legally binds that agreement. The principle also includes 'freedom to choose the other party.' However, this freedom is somewhat limited by laws such as court rulings or labor laws.
Netizens who saw the notice commented, "I understand the gym's position. Ajumma who have no sense of shame, please act your age," "I'm an Ajumma too, but I understand," and "They must have been through a lot to do that," expressing support for the owner. On the other hand, some criticized the owner, saying, "It's not an Ajumma problem but a human problem; the owner was wrong. It would have been better to say they don't accept certain people regardless of gender or age," "They should restrict some inconsiderate individuals, not generalize a whole group," and "The term 'Ajumma' itself is rude."
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